Hudson Fasching: 2013 NHL Draft Player Profile #46

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Edit: Drafted 118th by the Los Angeles Kings.

In a draft absolutely filled with big, potential power forwards, Hudson Fasching is the prototype of such players. He’s got all the skill you look for in a young power forward and at this point its a matter of the him putting it all together on the ice. The Apple Valley High product has spent the last two years playing for the United States National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Michigan and is committed to attend college at the University of Minnesota next season.

The oldest of three children, Fasching was forced to grow up and mature very quickly. His younger siblings, Cooper, 14, and Mallory, 13, each suffer from a rare genetic disorder known as mitochondrial disease, which leaves them unable to walk or speak, and they require around-the-clock medical care. According to his parents, Hudson has always been a great help with his siblings, feeding them, giving them their medication, and helping to care for them throughout his own life. Growing up and seeing how lucky he is to be healthy and pursue his dreams, Fasching has an added level of maturity that is rare to see in other teenagers. His choice to attend the University of Minnesota was made in large part because it is the closest school to his parents’ home and will allow him to spend the most time possible with his family.

This maturity has translated on the ice, where Fasching is a leader on the US NTDP squad, and its clear to see how teammates gravitate towards him and follow the example he sets on the ice.

Fasching has all the tools you would want in a power forward prospect. Still just 17 years old, he is 6’03 and 213 lbs. Fasching takes the puck to the net, and can score goals in tight, or via a good wrist shot and snap shot with a quick release. He gets to the front of the net, where he uses his big body to establish position, and his soft hands to bang in rebounds or make deflections. Fasching is a load to handle in the corners and loves to play a strong, physical game, with plenty of hits on the forecheck. He has also shown good vision and passing skill off the wing.

Fasching is a powerful skater with a long stride. He is a natural power forward who has excellent balance and is very tough to knock of the puck. His power and size allows him to fight off checks, and to bulldoze through defencemen off the rush or own the cycle. His top end speed is good, but the acceleration could be improved going forward, especially his first step. Fasching shows good agility and he has the natural athletic ability but must refine his skating technique with some work on his turning and edgework.

Fasching is also a valuable two way player, playing important penalty killing minutes for the USNTDP club. He shows very good hockey sense and anticipation, cutting down passing lanes. He shows his aggressive physical side in the defensive zone, pressuring the puck carrier and not being afraid to mix things up along the boards. He does show some inconsistency in his defensive work and intensity though, and must learn how to keep himself dialed in at all times.

Fasching’s style can best be described as being reminiscent of Andrew Ladd. His potential is very high, however this is a real boom or bust pick. If he can put all of his tools together and become a consistent forward, he can be an elite powerforward. However there is still a lot of development needed on-ice for Fasching and the bust potential is also big.